After a morning burst of energy as Álvaro Martín and María Pérez clinched gold in the 35-kilometer walk, four finals filled the Thursday schedule. The event carried a special tribute to the long jump, staged at the World Cup stadium in Budapest, making the day memorable for fans and athletes alike.
Star Adri Ben returns to the 800 final in Budapest
In the standings, Jamaican Wayne Pinnock had already challenged Greek star Miltiadis Tentoglou, who emerged as the world leader of the year with a remarkable leap of 8.54 meters. The two engaged in a dramatic duel on the final attempt, highlighting Tentoglou’s refined mastery. Both jumped 8.50 and remained neck and neck with Pinnock close behind at 8.40 and 8.39. Pinnock later posted 8.38 to move into sixth, while the Olympic champion was set to deliver 8.41 and instead soared to 8.52, marking the best leap of the year so far. Tajay Gayle captured bronze with 8.27, while a fellow Jamaican, Carey McLeod, slipped to fourth as the competition intensified.
Indeed, Tentoglou’s consistency shone through as he dominated with precision, a hallmark of his recent campaigns. A sense of weathered excellence persisted as the long jump field evolved, and audiences witnessed the depth of European talent in the event. Tentoglou’s performance reinforced his status as a premier force in the discipline, weaving a narrative of resilience and accuracy across the season.
The day carried a sense of rain-soaked drama, as Tentoglou had previously claimed European titles in past seasons, including memorable marks in Berlin and other major meets. His execution in the later rounds underlined the value of experience and timing in the sport, continuing a trajectory that has defined him as a standout performer on the world stage. His triumphs across European championships have often been cited alongside the strategic prowess he brings to high-pressure events.
The spotlight also shone on Femke Bol, who stepped into the day with high expectations following the setback of world record holder Sydney McLaughlin in the 4×400 grid. Bol delivered with a performance that left spectators impressed, reaffirming her status as a premier hurdler and a major draw for track and field fans. Her 400 hurdles run showcased speed, rhythm, and endurance, traits that have made her a dominant figure in the discipline.
Standing tall at 1.83 meters, Bol’s athletic frame translated into a powerful stride. The race unfolded with a blend of grace and aggression as Bol carved out a commanding time, followed by Shamier Little of the United States and Rushell Clayton of Jamaica, who offered stern challenges with swift finishes. The field demonstrated how depth and consistency can shape a standout final, even under varying conditions and nerves that come with the big stage.
The 100-meter hurdles final provided another showcase. A Nigerian talent delivered a remarkable run, taking the race with a time that reflected a blend of speed and precision. The field included strong performances from Jamaica and Puerto Rico, with close finishes and tight margins that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The competition highlighted the relentless pursuit of personal bests and national pride in sprint hurdles, a staple of the track program on the world stage.
Meanwhile, the 400-meter hurdles and sprint events drew attention to the relative strength of teams from North America and the Caribbean. This pattern of emergence and excellence continues to shape the landscape of the sport, providing a rich tapestry of stories from Budapest. The tournament also celebrated the depth of Canadian athletes in field events, underscoring the ongoing growth of track and field in North America. American competitors posted competitive results across events, contributing to a day filled with intensity and memorable finishes.